Automation Alley wil open its first office in Detroit in the Broderick Tower. / File photo by Patricia Beck/Detroit Free Press

Written by

Frank Witsil

Detroit Free Press Business Writer

Automation Alley at a glance

What is it? It is a technology business association to drive growth in southeast Michigan. Executive director: Ken Rogers Employees: 33 History: The organization was founded in 1999 and has expanded to include about 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government agencies in an eight-county area. The group seeks global recognition of the region for technology and innovation. Website:www.automationalley.comPhone: 800-427-5100

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Automation Alley, an association that aims to boost tech and innovation in southeast Detroit, is set to open its first office in Detroit in the Broderick Tower next month.

The group, which was founded in 1999 and has offices in Oakland and Macomb counties, announced its plans today.

“We didn’t do it sooner because we didn’t have the resources to do it,” said Ken Rogers, Automation Alley’s executive director. “Now we’re going, whether we have the resources to do it or not. We’ve wanted to do it for a long time.”

The 15,000-square-foot office, at 1570 Woodward, is inside the Grand Circus training institute. It is set to open Sept. 23.

The new office was chosen, Rogers said, because it is close to the emerging tech community in Detroit and fits with the new training center. In addition, he said, the association received an undisclosed amount from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to open the offices.

Rogers said the association has had a presence in Detroit for years, through members and projects, but did not have offices in the city.

The training institute, which was announced earlier this month, will offer students and local businesses training in technology and business.

“Automation Alley is a champion for technology-based businesses across the region,” Damien Rocchi, CEO and co-founder of Grand Circus, said in a statement. “Grand Circus is excited to join the mission and, with Automation Alley, galvanize the link between Detroit’s tech community and the rest of southeast Michigan.”

Automation Alley’s other offices are in Troy, Sterling Heights and Mt. Clemens.

“Our goal is to be a good partner,” Rogers said. “We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for Detroit.”